Rear Adm. Max Clark is a native of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He was commissioned in 1992 after earning a Bachelor of Science in Physics from the United States Naval Academy. He earned his Wings of Gold in November 1994. He holds a Master of Arts in National Security and Strategic Studies from the U.S. Naval War College and is a graduate of the Navy’s Nuclear Power Program.

As a Naval aviator, Clark flew SH-60F and HH-60H helicopters. His operational assignments include Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron 15 (HS-15) “Red Lions”, Carrier Air Wing 9 (CVW-9), HS-8 “Eightballers”, and executive officer/commanding officer of HS-11 “Dragonslayers.” Over the course of his aviation career he deployed numerous times on several aircraft carriers, including USS Enterprise, USS Dwight D Eisenhower, USS Carl Vinson, and USS John C Stennis. He served as executive officer of USS Harry S Truman (CVN 75), commanding officer of USS Mesa Verde (LPD 19), and commanding officer of USS Nimitz (CVN 68).

Ashore, Clark served as Operational Test Director at Air Test and Evaluation Squadron 1 (VX-1), qualifying in the SH-60B and MH-60S aircraft. He was assigned to the staff of U.S. Joint Forces Command as a Washington DC and Congressional Liaison Officer. He also completed tours at Navy Personnel Command in Millington, TN as the Helicopter Commander Detailer and Deputy Director for Aviation Officer Distribution, and most recently as the Executive Assistant to the Director of Air Warfare Division, N98, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations. Clark assumed current duties as Assistant Chief of Staff for Operations, J3, Joint Force Command Naples in May 2022.

He is entitled to wear the Legion of Merit, Air Medal and several other personal, unit and campaign awards. He has accumulated over 3,700 flight hours.

Last Updated: 31 January 2024